A convenience store clerk narrowly avoided being shot Wednesday during an attempted armed robbery at the Kings Market near Lincoln, according to state police.

The robbery attempt occurred about 8 p.m. when two black men with bandanas partially covering their faces entered the store at 20639 Fleatown Road and walked to the counter while declaring that it was a “hold up,” according to Delaware State Police spokesman Master Cpl. Gary Fournier.

Following the announcement, a 55-year-old male employee ran through a back door, prompting one of the would-be robbers to fire a handgun in his direction.

Fournier said the round missed the employee, but only barely.

A 22-year-old employee took cover behind the counter as the two men fled the store without removing any property.

Neither of the employees was injured.

Both suspects were last seen running south toward the Cedar Village neighborhood, Fournier said.

One of the men was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, while the other was last seen wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with information about the attempted robbery is asked to call state police at (302)-856-5850, ext. 221 or Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333.

Information also may be provided online at www.tipsubmit.com or via text message at 274637 (CRIMES) and starting the text with the keyword “DSP.”